Bumblebee [Studio Series/Deluxe Class]

We're all Bumblebee fans here on the base and love it when he gets a new toy... which is very often. Today's toy is from Transformers Studio Series 86 and meant to represent him as he appeared in the 1986 animated movie. I've been a fan of the Studio Series 86 toys as they're very screen accurate figures of the original cartoon cast. Bumblebee is a bit of an anomaly in this isn't Volkswagen licensed, so while his robot mode is show accurate. His vehicle mode is a close approximation. That's ok though as the car has the same proportions as the original Microman/G1 toy which was mean to resemble a penny racer. That's really neat!

As I said, BB is very show accurate in robot mode. He's also pretty short, which means he'll be close to scale with other Studio Series 86 and more recent Generations figures. There's plenty of articulation and includes the laser we've seen used in various episodes of the classic series. That laser can mount to the back of his car mode for storage. Kinda like a little gun rack. Transformation isn't what I thought it would be. Sure, the expected car bot steps were there... but there was some unexpected additional folding. Bumblebee compresses down quite a bit creating a surprisingly solid feeling compact little car. Like I said before, it's an approximation of his classic VW Bug this time. That's not too bad as it has the cues you'd expect... just not as round. I do like the penny racer proportions and can see where other Minibots made from this mold will probably come out pretty good. This is a great new Bumblebee figure. I can understand how the vehicle mode might turn off some, but I've really enjoyed him. Guess I just like a good penny racer.

Frenzy (Red) (Studio Series/Core Class)

I've never been  a stickler for which of the Decepticon tapes is which. RIRFIB, FIRRIB... whatever. I've always taken whichever is whomever depending on how they are being presented at the time. Not to mention, whichever the red one is supposed to be in any incarnation is black. There's about as much red  if I got my thighs and shoulders sunburned at the beach. Regardless, in the cartoons, Frenzy is normally the black and red one with the toys being opposite. This is a Studio Series 86 toy, which represents Frenzy as he appeared in the 1986 animated movie. So that's that. I unfortunately never got the Rumble that came out last year (dammit), so this is my first time with the mold. It's a fun little toy that I was overjoyed to find among the Christmas gifts from my wife.

Even for a Core Class, Frenzy is TINY. That's to be expected considering his cassette alt mode. Said alt mode is fully compatible with Siege Soundwave. Frenzy comes with snap on arm pile drivers and signature Thruster Guns. The guns can be held or worn on his back, almost identically the G1 toy. Frenzy is VERY similar to his G1 toy, but smaller. It's pretty neat. He has the expected amount of articulation aside from the elbows. Transformation is pretty easily and similar to other variations of this idea. For the most part Frenzy is fairly screen accurate with his sculpting and colors being almost perfect. I say almost as there's only so close a working Transformer is going to get to the cartoon model... especially for $10. I'd imagine Microman fans would like this toy too as it's very similar to the original Micro Cassette Robo Micross. Frenzy is a neat figure and a good representation of his G1 cartoon self. The tiny size is hard to resist and the pile drivers are neat. I've always had a soft spot for the cassettes, especially the initial batch. Not to mention being a Core Class, I was destined to like this toy as is. Though I'd have a hard time believing anyone could not like this little hellion.

Prowl 86 20BB (Buzzworthy Bumblebee)

Prowl was found down the hall. A lone body who's spirit has moved on and now possibly another otherworldly resident of the house.

Coming with Ironhide in the Buzzworthy Bumblebee two pack of dead robots is Prowl whom also was killed in that same scene. There was a few others, so I wonder if there'll be future installments of dead robot toys? I don't know if the release time frame was intentional and there's nothing specifically Halloween-ish on the packaging... but it all works out. Like Ironhide, Prowl is a remold of his Earthrise toy released as a Studio Series figure. I took several Earthrise toys to be Studio Series toys released under another banner... so it works for me. It occurs to me that I haven't spoken of the mold here before. Like other Earthrise toys, the pandemic caused some distribution issues. I did get Bluestreak from the Buzzworhty Bumblebee line (dang, that's one all encompassing little imprint), so I have experienced it before.

Prowl transforms into his classic Fairlady Z police car here in a fairly accurate toy. Like other recent figures, he really looks like the cartoon model come to life. Transformation is pleasant and fairly simple without being too easy. He's packing his trademark Acid Pellet Gun but unfortunately missing the shoulder rocket launchers. The original Earthrise toy was also missing these as they're not a part of his show model. That's fine, I just like them. As part of the dead guy remolds is a wound from the fatal laser fire and a VERY accurate face sculpt of childhood trauma is being enacted on the move screen. All that's missing is the smoke... literally as there's blaster effects to plug in the fully recreate his getting shot to death. This set is ridiculously morbid and I'm all here for it.

Ironhide 86 24BB (Buzzworthy Bumblebee/Deluxe Class)

Nobody knows when it happened or who did it. Ironhide was found laying on his back. Mouth agape with a large wound signaling the arrival of his passing.

Don't look at me, but Hasbro thought to make a set of a dead Ironhide and Prowl in the Buzzworthy Bumblebee line. These are Studio Series 86 figures released under the Target exclusive banner meant to represent them during their deaths at the hands of the Decepticons during Transformers The Movie in 1986. Today we'll be looking at Ironhide... as you've probably figured out by now. Ironhide is a slight remold of the Earthrise Ironhide toy. Now with a uh... dying face and a wounded chest. While I don't have it pictured, the toys also come with blast effects that can be plugged into the wounds to replicate the laser shots that did the killing. Dang Hasbro, you took it to an extreme... and I dig it.

While it's not as great as the Voyager Studio Series Ironhide, this is still a solid figure. To be honest, I just like classic Ironhide. It's hard not to love that bright red on grey and that boxy robot body. They really took the Diaclone toy and improved on it with the Sunbow animation model. Ironhide of course transforms into a van. This time a van that's been shot up. His twin pistols can store on the roof like other of his toys of late. He has a decent amount of articulation and is an all around a good figure. The transformation is pretty easy, but not super simple. I like this toy and had the same opinion with DK-2 Guard whom shares the mold. It's hard not to like Ironhide and even harder to hate a good Ironhide figure. A dying version is unique and the blast effects are a great morbid bit of fun.

Ratchet (Studio Series 86/Core Class)

Ratchet is one of those classic Transformers characters that I have a real fondness for and generally jump on toy updates of. So it's not surprise that his most recent Core Class figure in the Studio Series 86 line was a must have for me. Fortunately the Mrs got me one for Christmas (I've still got a back log). So far I've been really happy with the Studio Series 86 line and generally a big fan of the Core Class in general. Getting a cool figure of a character I like in a line I like at a scale I like? I like it!

Like most Core Class figures, Ratchet is smaller and more simple than larger figures. That's part of the charm of this class, they're relatively inexpensive, pleasant, and pleasantly simple. Considering the economic state of the world currently, I can realistically see Core Class becoming the standard Transformers figure size in the future. Considering what they're doing with the class as well as Warrior Class and the Rise of the Beasts mainline... there seems to be some experimenting going on.

I'd be ok with it as... man things are getting crazy expensive. A deluxe class toy (normally the standard size class) is $25 currently. That's cutting a little close to comfort and a hobby should never feel like a burden. I've said before that I've toyed with the idea of mainly buying smaller figures and occasionally getting the larger ones. With the way things are going, it looks like that may be the direction I go. Fortunately, the smaller and cheaper toys are super pleasant. So it won't be a bad thing for me. Though I could see some fan types tasking issue with it (that always seem to ask for financial support or get plenty of review samples... hrm)

The van is pleasant and rolls along well, the robot mode looks right and has a decent amount of articulation. I do wish he had an Autobot sticker on the front of the ambulance. There's some on his shoulders, but it would complete the package. I could fix it myself, but I have a hard time believing it would affect production costs. I hope that screw gets tightened by the time the Ironhide version of the mold comes out. Why would they release an Ironhide version of the toy when there's one in the line at a higher size class? See what I mean?

Ratchet has those pistols he was blasting Decepticons with right before his death in the 1986 movie. That's a nice touch and adds to the niceness of the figure. They can attach to the sides of the ambulance for storage in vehicle mode… I absolutely love the visage of an ambulance with guns. This is a super little figure. It’s neat and makes for a good update of Ratchet at a price that’s reasonable. I find myself really liking Core Class more and more. If they keep being such solid toys, for less money, Hasbro may find them talking over sales. Which might be the plan.

Ironhide in 1986 Missions

Studio Series 86 figures are really neat. They're updates of the classic G1 characters as they appeared in the 1986 movie. Like all Studio Series figures, they're a higher grade toy. Ironhide here is a voyager class toy that's way nicer than I thought he'd be. Going in, I was prepared for just another Ironhide... just bigger. Instead I got a very premium feeling figure that almost feels like the first draft of a Masterpiece Ironhide toy. He's surprisingly good, especially considering just how simple the toy looks.

Classic Ironhide is a pretty standard looking robot that turns into a boxy van. He's pretty plain. Who'd have thunk they'd given him so much articulation? You could probably roll him up into a ball. Considering this is a Studio Series toy, one could probably reenact some of his famous scenes from the 1986 movie. Shoots a gun or gets shot by a gun. Considering he's hardly in the movie and got a fairly accurate toy in Earthrise... I'm guessing somebody REALLY wanted to make this figure. I'm glad they did, because it's a really nice toy. If I had any complaints, I found the transformation to be a little tricky. Not particularly hard or anything, just fiddled with his parts more than I would have liked. Not enough to ruin it though. In my mind, this is probably the best toy of G1 Ironhide ever made. You heard me.

Wild Boy in Core Missions

Folks like to dump on Wheelie, but every time he gets a new toy, they gobble it up. Despite all the hate, he has a neat design. Most of the vitriol comes from the annoying voice from the cartoon. It doesn't bother me a lot (but does get old at times). A lot of my love for Wheelie comes from 'The Story of Wheelie, the Wild Boy of Quintesson'. This is a children's story book that paints a much more badass picture of him. I had gotten this book right around the time Wheelie started appearing on the show and it shaped my view of him. I'm always up for new toys of him... the kid's a badass.

This new figure of Wheelie was another Christmas gift from my wife. She absolutely spoils me on holidays, so there's gonna be a lot covered here... and stuff not. As a Core Class toy, Wheelie is excellent. Admittedly I'm hard pressed to not enjoy a Core Class, but Wheelie is exceptionally well done. As a smaller character he generally gets smaller toys and they nailed it this time. Wheelie is fairly articulated and is packing his trademark sling shot that can store easily in car mode. If there's any negatives about Wheelie, it's that his hands just hang off the back in car mode and don't tuck away any. I suppose if the size class's limitations were going to kick in... its here. Aside from that, this may be the best toy of the character yet.

Poindexter Robo

I've always liked Perceptor. There's just something charming about him. Before we go any further, I vastly prefer the cartoon version to the newer sniper version. This isn't a battle line to fight over, just a preference. That's why we'll be looking at the Studio Series 86 figure of Perceptor toy. I got it a few months ago, that ever growing backlog keeps getting bigger. If this was a review site, I'd be more hard pressed to get posts out about certain toys faster. That's just not what I do here though.

What I'm doing here though (today anyway) is looking at this newer figure of a classic character. It's a really solid update of Perceptor. Like other newer updates of classic Transformers, Perceptor looks like he just walked off a cartoon screen. He's pleasantly articulated and has the gun you expect him to have. Of course a microscope is the alt mode and just like always... it's not the most accurate microscope, but it'll do. Once again, it looks like how you'd expect it too. The tank mode (yes, he was always a triple changer) is right along with the same accuracy to the original. I don't know if it could fit a Microman, maybe something smaller. I didn't test that out. I could see a Mega Construx figure sliding in there without any issue.

This is really just a new update. That doesn't bother me and Perceptor is a character I'll always appreciate getting a new toy. The last one can out 5 years ago. Not the worst timing for another new figure. I've always liked his reds and blues. The bright colors really pop against such a rigid looking robot design. His design always reflected his personality to me in that way. Perceptor is this really smart bookworm who'll give you the most elaborate answer you didn't want. Then he'll drop something and say "oh dear" before hitting his head. That design is the genius, the color is the silly. I never outright desired a microscope that also turned into a tank and a robot... but I learned a long time ago that one was necessary.

Oh shit! What are we going to do now?

I was really excited to get the new Spike figure from the Transformers Studio Series 86 line. Not just because I really enjoy Transformers, the 1986 movie, the Studio Series line, Core Class, and everything else related to Transformers. No... well that's not just why. Spike also looked really cool. As someone who grew up with various sci fi/fantasy toys from the 80's and never left them behind (as you can see), Spike feels like a culmination of those ideas into a neat little figure. 

Spike, of course, represents his appearance in the 1986 Transformers movie decked out in his Exo-Suit. As seen in the movie, the suit has an attack mode as well as a vehicle mode that the figure pulls off pretty well. Before I go any further, let me just say that I REALLY like this figure. So I have nothing bad to say AT ALL. He is fairly articulated for a figure at his size and price. For a change, I really dig the included blast effects. I usually take them as a novelty and don't think much of them. Here's they represent the rocket fire from the vehicle modes booster pods. In attack mode, they're the blaster fire! That's nothing new... but it really did it for me this time.

Spike really feels like a natural evolution of Takara SF. All that old Microman and Diaclone art really seemed to be reflected in the 1986 Transformers movie and subsequent seasons. Honestly, if I were in the position to make convention or store exclusives, Spike would get made into a new Microman figure. Some of you are probably glad I'll never be in that position. I want repaints of this toy. Give me a Buzzworthy Bumblebee version in weird 'stealth' colors. They already use the Micronauts font in that line anyway. Let me find some weird knock off of this figure. I want that grind house feel of bootleg robot toys on this mold. I just envisioned a bootleg line where this figure is another character ala Inter-Changeables. Spike is a great version of his appearance in the 1986 movie and the culmination of so much more.

Galvatron (Kingdom)

 

When it comes to Transformers, the movie and it's post years are a particularly favored era for me. The space opera, far out designs, and darker tone improves what was already a solid formula. Galvatron is a much more interesting villain than the earlier version of Megatron. Like Rodimus Prime with Optimus, he influenced the writers when it came to making Megatron more interesting. It seems like that to me anyway. This Kingdom version is something of an anomaly. It's the Generations version of Galvatron and the Studio Series 86 toy as well. Like Cyclonus and Ultra Magnus, it's clearly intended to fill both roles.

Galvatron will be re-released in Legacy sans the signature War for Cybertron battle damage deco as well. I'm ok with or without it, but you may have your preferences. I'm not sure if I'll get that Legacy version, but am really tempted on the Pulse exclusive version. I just like Galvatron, and I'm pretty fond of this toy as well. I'll admit though, to date my favorite version has been the Energon version. It's a mix of classic and update that's also really cool. This however, is a strong contender for that spot. 

The toy is 100% classic Galvatron. Robot mode to laser cannon, everything looks and feels right. A nice little extra touch is replacing his classic rifle with one that looks like the ship Unicron gave him in the movie. Another extra is the Autobot Matrix of Leadership dangling from a chain to be worn around his neck like in the movie. The gun and Matrix can be utilized in cannon mode and add a little extra to an already cool toy. I like both modes, but don't like transforming it. It's not hard or anything, I just don't enjoy the transformation. I'm not sure of there's an official laser gun mode, but sure one can be pulled off. The original wasn't that amazing to begin with. 

Galvatron is one of those great characters that doesn't always get the best toys. Usually the better ones have an all new design as the original is pretty hard to pull off. His cartoon appearance took some liberties with the toy design that went on to define the character. This is a good version. It looks great in both modes and is a solid toy as well. Plenty of articulation, the cannon is sturdy, and everything serves a purpose. This is another Christmas gift from the Mrs and it's a great one. He's big, evil looking, and imposing. All hail Galvatron!

Jazz (Studio Series 86)

Jazz has been sitting in my backlog for quite some time now. He's one of those characters I've always liked and usually get new toys of. Each time there is a new Jazz figure, it seems to be a vast improvement over the last. That trend is certainly continuing here with one very good figure of one of the Transformers more iconic characters. Studio Series has been generally great in general and these 86 offerings have been excellent.

As you'd expect, Jazz turns into his trademark white Porsche with a robot mode that looks like he walked off a TV screen. The toy is well articulated, everything moves as it should. At some point I'm going to be disappointed in a Studio Series figure, but that isn't the case with Jazz. He has his trademark Photon Rifle. I wish he also had the rocket launcher, but if I can only have one weapon it's gonna be the gun. I almost feel like this is a transforming version of the Action Masters Jazz. If only the black parts were blue. Pair that with a new version of the Turbo Board and you've got at least one customer.

Oh Hell Gnaw

In that same spooky treat sack from the Mrs. I've talked about this week was Studio Series 86 Gnaw. While not outright spooky, a Sharkticon is delightfully monstery. Totally a Halloween appropriate robot. Honestly, they could do an orange jack-o-lantern version as a Halloween Horrorcon if they ever followed with that abandoned idea from 20 years ago. Ooh, it could be a Boglin. I'll just keep dreaming while they reward sites that steal from and shit on them instead. Actually, a Sharkticon is basically a robot Boglin... I'm super glad I just made that comparison. Now I'll never unsee it. Man... let's watch that awesome Japanese Boglin commercial again.

Man, I love that thing. I also love Gnaw, how couldn't I? He's this big round monster full of teeth with a robot mode that makes me think of a Gamorrean Guard. Considering all the Star Wars influences in the 1986 movie, that may not be coincidental. My brother got a Gamorrean Guard mask the same Halloween Return of the Jedi came out and wore it until he was too old to trick or treat. This toy is pretty damn great BTW. Full of articulation and character. Like all the other Studio Series 86 toys I've gotten, it looks like the character walked off my TV and became a toy I took bad pictures with on a TV tray in my living room. Just wonderful.

Gnaw transforms relatively easy. His arms becomes the shark monsters legs while his leg fold up behind him. There's a backpack that adjusts to cover those legs and forms the shark monsters back. The whip weapon connects to that for a tail and the robot head hides away as you fold the monsters big mouth over his shoulders. His gun can be mounted for a little beast mode fire power and the shark fin can be used as a dagger as a bot. Gnaw isn't just a show piece, but a well executed toy. To quote that guy Chet who lived across the street when I was in the 5th grade "he's pretty bad ass, Gnaw meen brah". Well, I assume that's how he talks now. It's the south and he once told me life is pretty wild when you play with madness like he does. That year I really wanted to be Eddie from Iron Maiden, but instead was Jason Vorhees with a bootleg fright mask. Am I forcing a bunch of Halloween stuff into this because it's almost here? Yep.

Happy Motoring. Cock-A-Doodle-Doo!

While stopping by Target Sunday, I swung into the toys and lucked up on the new Studio Series 86 Wreck-Gar. I was pretty surprised as I'd just been there Saturday. I wasn't complaining though and gladly grabbed him. I've always really liked Wreck-Gar and even though he's gotten his share of toys, they never quite recreate the original far out design fully. Thankfully the entire purpose of the Studio Series toys is to be faithful versions of the onscreen characters and the king of junk looks right out of the 1986 movie and following seasons. 

Wreck-Gar is a pretty impressive toy and honestly feels like a far more premium figure than I'd expect for a Voyager Class toy at standard retail. The designers really nailed this one, which has been my overall sentiment with the Studio Series 86 toys. There's plenty of articulation, even where I wouldn't have considered it. Like his chest lasers (don't be weird), they're on little ball joints that allow them to be aimed. I've really been impressed with his spikes. Instead of the soft rubbery material you'd expect, they're a hard plastic instead. Safety be damned, you can put an eye out with those things! They're not just for show either, that's how the wheels/shield is mounted! Neat!

Transformation isn't complex. Another Transformer can ride the motorcycle (size permitting) making me wonder if a generic Junkion will be released and I hope so. Just hopefully it's a bit more distinct than the Studio Series generic Sweep. I cannot find a single negative thing to say about this toy and I'm not going to apologize for gushing either. I'm really happy with this toy. There's probably some complaints out there from some folks, but frankly I don't care. I'm so damn happy with Wreck-Gar that I'll happily wallow in my own ignorance about it. Your mileage may vary, of course, but mine is spectacular. I get spectacular mileage!

Blurr Teaches At Bayside High

If I listened to other people regarding toys, I'd have probably skipped over the new Studio Series 86 Blurr figure. There's been a little derision regarding him due to factors like his arms and face sculpt. None of that bothers me much at all. I expect a little alt mode kibble and what's here is easy to ignore.

His face doesn't bother me. In the cartoon, sometimes it's longer than others. I think it looks fine, and to be frank, I'm really impressed with this toy. I picked it up at Walmart this past weekend and found myself looking at him while I walked around the store constantly. I've always really liked Blurr's colors. I know, I know... it's just two shades of blue and a little white. It also looks super sharp. There's elegance in simplicity. 

True to his classic design, Blurr turns into a Cybertronian race car. It's meant to be sci fi and represent the way off future of 2005. I suppose they envisioned in twenty years cars would only seat one or two and have enormous bodies. Blurr is also some sort of hover car and doesn't have wheels. It's cool looking.

Transformations is really easy. The legs fold up to form the car's backside while the arms form the sides with a few twists and folds. His torso makes up the canopy and front fender. Considering how compact everything folds up and how easily it does, I'm kinda amazed I got it right on the first try.

Blurr comes with the rifle he you saw him using often. I do wonder if some of these guys will get re-released with Targetmasters at some point. For a specific homage to his original animated appearance, it's a great accessory. He also has a welding tool attachment so you can recreate that scene. That's a nice little extra that could have been left out, but I find nice that was included. Both the gun and welding tool can be stored in car mode for an attack mode. I literally have nothing bad to say about this toy. I really like it. Prior to this my favorite Blurr toy was the Shattered Glass figure. I like the mold and just think it looks cool. This time they nailed it. It looks just like Blurr I've seen on my TV and happens to be a good toy while doing so. Twenty dollars well spent y'all.

The Scourge Tracker

I was lucky enough to stumble across Scourge from the new Transformers Studio Series 86 line. As opposed to normal Studio Series figures, the 86 line focuses on the original 1986 Transformers movie. Bringing nicer quality versions of the cast to store shelves with very screen accurate toys. Paired up with some of the non-beast Kingdom figures being released, this makes for a very good looking movie cast update. 

I've always liked Scourge. Visually, he's the transformers version of an evil sorcerer from your brothers Dungeons and Dragons books. In the 90's a fan described him and Cyclonus as wizard and knight bodyguards for Galvatron. I could never forget that mental imagery to this day. His beard, wings, pointy fingers, and collar just help give him an evil look. 

Toys of Scourge never really nailed his classic look from the movie and following cartoon seasons. They've come close. I think until the Titans Return toy, the closest was the Titanium figure. I really liked that one.

Scourge's transformation is pretty simple, though it doesn't look like it is. Head folds down into his chest, legs up, and his arms lay down his side by way of weirdly placed hinge at the shoulders. As you'd expect, those evil wings are the sides of his alt mode. Which is a spaceship that looks like a boat.

The term cybertronian hovercraft has been thrown around a lot, and it originally was intended to be a land based mode. I prefer it as a spaceship though. It's weird and funky looking. If the space robot devil changes some corpses into new servants, they should be weird looking. Dammit.

Scourge's rifle doesn't hide anywhere within his cavernous space ship, instead plugs onto the side. That's the closest thing I can find to a fault on this toy. I don't even mind it, but the point is a screen accurate depiction and that wasn't where he had it in alt mode. Also included is one of those special effects thingies that plugs onto his gun barrels for laser blasting effects action. It kind of looks like a cross between a loogie and a drill bit. I guess it kind of looks like his particular laser blasts in the movie.

This is an awesome toy. It looks just like how I'd think a toy of Scourge based on his 1986 movie appearance should look. Not just that, but it's specifically sharp. It's nice looking. I used italics because I fucking meant it. Upon seeing it at Target, my wife was very vocal about how cool he was and insisted that I get him right then and there. 

I hope to get more if not all of these new Studio Series 86 figures. I'm from that generation of Transformers fans who held the original movie up to an untouchable standard back in the day and kinda still do. Despite how many of these guys I already have, it's nice to have screen accurate figures of the cast specifically meant to represent that particular benchmark. 

The box also states he was made from Thundercracker. Somewhere there's a giant argument over that.